HomeMy WebLinkAboutEcon Development - 2003-09-24ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
September 24, 2003
11:00 am- 1:00 pm
Conestoga Room, Main Floor, Kitchener City Hall
Attendance:
Staff:
Regrets:
Glenn Scheels
Peter Cook
Councillor, John Smola
Councillor, Christina Weylie
George Borovilos
Patricia Bacon
Carla Ladd
Mayor, Carl Zehr
Scott Baird
Joan Euler
Manfred Conrad
Shawky Fahel
Jane Jantzi
Peter Benninger
Lawrence Bingeman
Henrik Noesgaard
Robert Morgan
Kathy Bissell
Jeff Willmer
Councillor, Berry Vrbanovic
Hans Pottkamper
Ray Robinson
Paul Kuntz
Howie Budd
1. Approval of Minutes of July 23, 2003
Add Howie Budd to the list of Attendees for the meeting of July 23rd, 2003.
Minutes of July 23rd, 2003 were then approved as written.
Moved by Jane Jantzi
Seconded by Lawrence Bingeman
Carried
2. Huron Business Park
G. Borovilos, by powerpoint, presented An Analysis of the Economic Impact of the
Huron Business Park. Committee were in receipt of the report prior to today's
presentation. It has been a historicalperception, that the Huron Business Park has not
provided a return on the City's investment. The report was intended to demonstrate the
economic benefits derived by businesses in Huron Business Park; illustrate the spin-
offs such as employment and assessment; and assist in determining the future
development of employment lands.
Of the 200 surveys sent, there was a 21% response rate of which 85% filled out a full
survey - important to note that incomplete surveys were not used in the
multiplier/calculators used in the report.
There are 12,000 employees in HBP, which is equivalent to those working in the
Downtown. Approximately 75% of the businesses in the park have less than 50
employees. It was noted that of those surveyed, 70% preferred the West Side and
20% preferred the Airport for additional employment lands in the future.
Based on $7.3 million total taxation revenue the City's payback would be 11 years
based on the 2003 tax split. Committee questioned payback period and tax split.
Action:
· Economic Development staff to follow-up on fibre optic availability in the HPB
· Staff to reconsider resurrecting the Corporate Visitation Program (door to door
canvassing) by senior staff in order to increase the percentage of completed
surveys
· Clarify financial questions raised by committee
· Take report to DTS and City Council for approval in November 2003
3. Airport Lands
Glenn Scheels provided Committee with an update on the Airport Lands. Gerry
Thompson of the Region has indicated the Region's interest in the Airport Lands. Two
taskforces have been set up to look at aspects of implementation of Regional Growth
Strategy. A separate committee will look at implementing the airport lands. It was
noted also that the Region is moving ahead with the infrastructure of the airport lands.
The Greater K-W Chamber of Commerce is interested and supportive of the initiative to
bring the airport lands on board and want to meet with the Regional Mayor's and CAO's
to offer their assistance. It was suggested by the Chamber that a Town Hall meeting,
hosted by the Region with the business community, could be held to move the project
ahead.
4. Other Business
· Bingeman Centre Drive - Council has accepted rezoning and a name change for
part of Shirley Avenue. Staff have had several inquiries of the land zoned B2 & B3
in Grand River West Business Park. A breakfast meeting to market the park will be
arranged within the next month. Reservation Agreements are a possibility, however
lands will not be for sale until July 2004, when the pumping station is scheduled for
completion.
· Coldwell Banker, Peter Benninger Realty - by October 9th a new city map will be
delivered to every household. P. Benninger noted that it will be the first one of its
kind to show Bingeman Centre Drive.
· Ontario Global Traders Awards - K. Bissell is Co-Chair of this year's event.
Nomination forms were handed out to members requesting they put forth their
support of businesses - deadline is November 3, 2003.
EDAC Minutes
September 24, 2003
Future Agenda Items:
· Official Plan Review
· Action: remove Official Plan from future agenda
· Development Permit System
· Action: Staff to follow-up with Brock Stanley to find out appropriate time to
place on upcoming agenda,
· Downtown Strategic Plan
· Action: Place on agenda for October 22nd,2003
Meeting adjourned at 1:05 p.m.
Moved by: Peter Benninger
Seconded by: Lawrence Bingeman
Carried
Sandy Curzon, Recording Secretary
Economic Development Advisory Committee
Next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 22"d, 2003
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Conestoga Room, Main Floor, City Hall
Kitchener
EDAC Minutes
September 24, 2003